Limited efficacy of imatinib mesylate in malignant mesothelioma: A phase II trial

Twenty-five patients with histologically proven malignant mesotheliorna participated in a trial of imatinib mesylate (Glivec) with a starting dose of 400mg per day taken orally, up to a maximal. dose of 800 mg. No responses were observed in the patient group, while three patients showed prolonged (> 6 months) stabilization of disease. The median survival time was 398 days (range 88-840); the median time to progression was 63 days (range 29-275). Side effects of the medication were mild and included edema, nausea, constipation and diarrhea. We conclude that further investigation with monotherapy imatinib in mesothetioma is not warranted. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.